An 11-run second inning powered UTSA baseball to a 25-7 victory over Tulane University on Saturday at Roadrunner Field.
Sophomore utility Diego Diaz finished the 2024 season with 38 hits and 25 RBIs, and played a major role in the Roadrunners (30-10, 12-3 AAC) securing second place in the American Athletic Conference. Before Saturday, he had just one hit and zero RBIs in two appearances. Diaz delivered an eight-RBI game to help the ‘Runners run-rule the Green Wave (24-17, 8-7 AAC) and secure a conference series win.
“I’m just happy for Diego,” Hallmark said through tears. “Diego is a big part of the team. And he hasn’t got to play a lot. And he’s kept a great attitude. So I’m just happy for him. It’s nice to see him succeed. Such a good kid. He means a lot to me.”
Tulane held a 3-1 lead over the Roadrunners in the top of the second after a two-run home run from Green Wave outfielder Tanner Chun. The ‘Runners responded that same inning by registering a home run cycle: a solo, two-run, three-run home run along with a grand slam.
Following back-to-back walks, senior infielder Norris McClure launched a three-run homer over the center field wall to tie the game 4-4. Senior outfielders Mason Lytle and James Taussig picked up singles and junior catcher Broc Parmer made his way to the first in the ensuing at-bats, setting the stage for Diaz to give UTSA the lead. Diaz answered the call and sent one over left field.
“I was just trying to get something to hit,” Diaz said of his grand slam. “I got a fastball down the middle and hit it. I didn’t think it was going over but it did, so I’m happy about that.”
As the lineup cycled through, McClure made his way to the plate and delivered a two-run home run to push the ‘Runners lead into double-digits.
“It was a cool moment,” McClure said. “I don’t even think I’ve had two bombs in a game, let alone two in the same inning. That’s something I’m not going to forget.”
Lytle joined in on the action with a solo-shot that smacked the center of the scoreboard over the left-center field wall. Taussig was a few feet away from a home run of his own, but the ball found its way into the glove of the opposing right-fielder to close out the inning.
Senior pitcher Conor Myles gave up five runs in five innings before junior pitchers James Hubbard and Connor Kelley came in for relief. The group allowed seven runs on 11 hits with six strikeouts.
Diaz and McClure led with eight RBIs apiece as the Roadrunners set a season-high in total runs scored.
UTSA will next face Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Chapman Field.
